Matthew 2:12

Authorized King James Version

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

χρηματισθέντες

G5537

being warned of God

to utter an oracle (compare the original sense of g5530), i.e., divinely intimate; by implication, (compare the secular sense of g5532) to constitute

κατ'

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὄναρ

G3677

a dream

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀνακάμψαι

G344

return

to turn back

πρὸς

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

Ἡρῴδην

G2264

Herod

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

δι'

G1223

another

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#10

ἄλλης

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

#11

ὁδοῦ

G3598

way

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

#12

ἀνεχώρησαν

G402

they departed

to retire

#13

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#14

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

χώραν

G5561

country

room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)

#16

αὐτῶν

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Matthew 2:12

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources